Proposed dates and venues are subject to approval from local councils and the safety advisory groups, but organisers the Running Bee Foundation are optimistic that postponing their big events until much later in the year gives them the best chance of going ahead.

The Running Bee team also wanted to be in a position to continue to help fund health and wellbeing initiatives and projects and support vulnerable communities across the North West of England

A spokesperson said: "At this difficult time for everyone our thoughts are with vulnerable communities and those essential people and organisations who are delivering incredibly important frontline services across our region."

The Running Bee team believe their new late autumn dates will minimise pressure on already stretched emergency services, safety officers, volunteers and communities and will be a welcome target for North West runners.

The new Running Bee Foundation 2020 event schedule is:

• SPAR City Of Preston 10K – Sunday 25 October, Preston City Centre
• We Love OUR NHS Manchester 10K – Sunday 22 November, Heaton Park
• City of Salford 10K – Sunday 29 November, Media City. This race will also incorporate the We Love Our NHS Jingle Bee Jog
• Festive Tour Of Tameside Weekender - Saturday/Sunday 5/6 December

An important and exciting announcement regarding the Tour Of Tameside 2020/21 will also be unveiled in May 2020.

For runners who have already purchased race entries prior to the date changes, these entries will automatically be moved to the new dates.

FULL EVENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT THE RUNNING BEE FOUNDATION WEBSITE